Putin’s Assertion on North Korea’s Nuclear Umbrella Sparks Concern in South Korea

The South Korean government emphasized on the 14th that “the government’s position on not recognizing North Korea’s nuclear possession has not changed,” in response to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s remarks that North Korea has its nuclear umbrella. A diplomatic official met with reporters on the day and said this in response to a question about whether Putin’s statement in a local interview on the 13th (local time) that The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea has its nuclear umbrella virtually acknowledged North Korea as a nuclear-possessing country.

He added, “North Korea continues to upgrade its nuclear and missile development, and the government will make diplomatic efforts through international cooperation and close cooperation with the international community for the complete denuclearization of North Korea.”

This official said, “Communication is ongoing between Korea and Russia,” and “Ambassador to Russia Lee Do Hoon met with a high-ranking official from the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs the day before.”

Meanwhile, President Putin said in an interview with Russian TV Russia 1 and RIA Novosti, which was released the day before the Russian presidential election, that North Korea has its nuclear umbrella and has not asked Russia for any help regarding nuclear matters.